Cowboys demote DC Kiffin, add Linehan as offensive play-caller

Monte Kiffin is no longer the Cowboys defensive coordinator, but is still with the team.

Tim Heitman/Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

IRVING, Texas (AP)

The Dallas Cowboys have demoted defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, giving his title to Rod Marinelli, and hired Scott Linehan as the passing game coordinator who will call plays.

The Cowboys announced a change in Kiffin’s title to assistant head coach/defense Tuesday. Dallas allowed the most yards in franchise history and finished last in the NFL in total defense.

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Kiffin and Marinelli, the defensive line coach, came to Dallas together last year after the Cowboys decided to switch to a four-man front with three linebackers following nearly a decade in the 3-4 defense.

Linehan, the former St. Louis coach who was Detroit’s offensive coordinator the past five seasons, takes play-calling duties from Bill Callahan. The Cowboys had their worst offensive output since 2005.